A protocol for the characterization of biodegradable cod fractions (s s, xs, saand sf) in municipal wastewater

Characterization of COD components in wastewater is significant for the understanding of wastewater nature and the wastewater treatment process optimization based on the usage of Activated Sludge Models (ASMs). In this work, a protocol was developed for the determination of readily biodegradable COD (S-S), slowly biodegradable COD (X-S), fermentation product COD component (S-A) and fermentable biodegradable COD component (S-F). Through separating the respiration of S-S and X-S based on simulating X-S biodegradation, the respirometry lasting for 6 h was used to characterize the S-S and X-S components. A 9-point pH titration method was used to characterize the VFA. The S-F component was calculated by using the substance balance method.